Shelf for refrigerators, show cases, and the like



Oct. 17, 1933. J. E. SAUM SHELF FOR REFRIGERATORS, SHOW CASES, AND THE LIKE Filed Jan. 7, 1931 J Him INVENTOR 6% I 1 4 Z M A fro/WAY 1,930,773 PATENT OFFICE SHELF FOR REFRIGEBATORS, SHOW CASES, AND THE LIKE John E. Saum, Dayton, Ohio, assignor to Trupar Manufacturing Company, Dayton, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application January '7, 1931. Serial No. 507,207

3 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in shelves for refrigerators, show cases and the like.

It is one of the principal objects of my invention to provide for refrigerators, show cases and the like, a shelf or tray from which a section may be easily removed, or turned aside, to permit bottles or other articles to project above the fixed section.

My shelf, with its removable section, makes it possible to accommodate bottles as well as vegetables and meats within a refrigerator without taking the shelf off of its screw hook supports, thus promoting convenience and conserving space. When there are no bottles or other tall containers to be accommodated within the refrigerator, the entire shelf may be utilized by re-inserting the removable section.

The structure of the shelf itself is preferably reticulated to make it light and sanitary, with means for conveniently mounting it and for permitting the removal of its removable section with ease and simplicity.

In the accompanying drawing illustrating my invention, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the interior of a refrigerator containing my improved shelf. Figure 2 is a perspective view thereof, after the removable section of the shelf has been taken out to accommodate a bottle of milk. Fig- 3 ure 3 is a sectional view taken through the shelf with its removable section in place. Figure 4 is a sectional view taken through the shelf after the removable section has been taken out. And Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the U- shaped ends of the reticulated shelf, showing how it is supported and how it supports one hook end of the removable reticulated section.

Referring to the accompanying drawing for a detailed description of my invention, the numeral 1 designates a conventional refrigerator of the domestic type. Secured in two opposite walls of the same, a suitable distance above the bottom 2, are screw hooks 3 upon which is mounted two opposite side members 4, 4 of a rectan gular wire shelf frame.

Welded or otherwise secured to these side members 4, 4 are ribs 5 and 6 that are parallel with the end member 7 of the frame. Secured to these ribs 5 and 6 are cross ,slats 8 to form with them and the side members 4 and end members 7 a fixed reticulated shelf for the sanitary and firm support of vegetables, meats and other perishable foods.

The shelf is enlarged by the addition of a removable wire frame section comprising two wire end members 9, 9 connected by cross slats 10 that come in alinement with the cross slats 8. The end members 9, 9 of this removable section are formed with hook ends 11 to engage the inner leg portions 12 of U-shaped parts 13 on the extended side members 4, 4. These side members 4, 4 are extended beyond the outer fixed rib 6 to provide these U-shaped portions 13 to removably support the hook shaped ends 11 of the removable section of the frame in a simple and convenient manner. (SeeFigures 1, 3 and 5).

When it is desired to take out the removable section of the shelf, to accommodate tall bottles placed upon the bottom 2 of the refrigerator, it is only necessary to raise the hook ends of the members 9 above the inner legs of the U-shaped portions 13 of the fixed side members 4, 4, to permit said removable section to be easily withdrawn.

It may be as conveniently replaced by hooking its ends over the U-shaped extensions 13 of theside members 4, 4 of the fixed part of the shelf frame to enlarge the latter when no bottles or other tall objects are to be contained within the refrigerator.

It is thus seen that it is not necessary to take out the entire shelf to accommodate bottles and other objects that project above its horizontal plane.

I do not wish to be limited to the details of construction and arrangement herein shown and described, and any changes or modifications may be made therein within the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A shelf of the type described, comprising a rectangular wire frame, fixed ribs connected between two opposite sides thereof, said sides projecting beyond an outer rib, and a frame section removably supported at its ends upon the extended portions of said sides, for the purpose specified.

2. A shelf of the type described, comprising a rectangular wire frame, fixed ribs connected between two opposite sides thereof, said sides formed with U-portions beyond an outer rib, and a removable wire frame section with hook shaped ends to engage the inner legs of said U-shapedportions for support thereon.

3. A shelf of the type described, comprising a rectangular wire frame, fixed ribs connected between two opposite sides thereof, cross members secured to said ribs, said sides formed with U- portions beyond an outer rib, a removable wire frame section, two end members on said removable frame section having hook shaped ends to engage the inner legs of the U-shaped portions, and cross members secured to the end members .of the removable frame section, in alinement with the cross members on the fixed ribs.

' JOHN E. SAUM. 

